Most Popular

Most Recent

Jan 5, 2012 at 11:44 AM

Public Comments on Concept Plan Alternatives

Between late September and early November 2011, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability hosted several public events and an online survey to give the public several opportunities to comment on the draft concept plans for West Hayden Island. More than 100 people commented on two alternatives for accommodating both marine terminal development as well as open space and recreation on the island’s 800 acres.

Project consultant Cogan Owens Cogan produced a report that summarizes this public input on the concept plan alternatives. While most comments were based on specific features of the Concept Plan Alternatives, numerous respondents addressed the general topic of industrial development on West Hayden Island, with opinions split on whether it is appropriate or not. Proponents cited a lack of industrial land in the region, while opponents cited the lack of a demonstrated need for a marine terminal at this site.

The WHI Advisory Committee, City staff and the project consultant team at Worley Parsons are using this information to create a single draft concept plan. It will also inform their discussions about annexation, potential zoning and other land use regulations for the site. All of this information will be part of the legislative package that BPS will prepare for the Planning and Sustainability Commission and City Council consideration in mid-2012.

Jan 9, 2012 at 11:08 AM

Technical Work session #3 summary notes

On Dec. 16, 2011, the WHI Advisory Committee and a group of technical experts reviewed and discussed two recently completed reports produced by City staff, which included a memo on coordination opportunities between the Port of Portland and Port of Vancouver and Phase 1 - Transportation Impact Analysis. During this facilitated work session, the advisory committee heard and discussed experts’ insights on the reports. Review the meeting summary.

These work sessions provide an opportunity to discuss any major issues related to the reports and review potential changes to the documents. Additional technical work sessions will be held on other subjects over the next few months. The public is welcome to attend and provide comment at these discussions. Check the project calendar for upcoming events.

Jan 10, 2012 at 5:32 PM

BPS has engaged in various efforts over the past several years to increase the adoption of solar energy technologies and to transform the market for solar in Portland and beyond. Working with partners, BPS has provided outreach and education, zoning code changes, and technical support for neighborhood-driven campaigns for purchasing solar panels (Solarize Portland). These efforts have significantly spurred the installation of solar on residential and business properties. Installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Portland is now close to 10 megawatts.

However, installation and direct ownership of on-site solar remains out of reach for many Portlanders for a variety of reasons, including site ownership, financial commitment, and solar resource constraints such as shading or roof orientation. Community solar represents a new addition to Portland's tools for transforming the local market for solar energy. Community solar is intended to make participation in the installation of PV systems available and accessible to a wider, more diverse audience of Portlanders, including renters, homeowners with shaded properties, and those wanting to fund PV in smaller increments than a typical residential system.

BPS's project objectives include:

Making solar energy generation more accessible to Portland citizens for whom direct ownership of solar on their own roofs is not feasible.

Providing opportunity for funding of solar energy in affordable increments.

Demonstrating a model for community-owned solar in Oregon under current legal and regulatory conditions.

Providing some return of benefits to community members who contribute funding for system construction costs.

Fostering the development of a replicable program model and ownership structure for community solar, such as the establishment of a solar funding cooperative that could sustain itself beyond a one-time effort.

Through this proposal BPS is seeking to facilitate collaborative relationships between:

private-sector parties that have federal tax liability and an interest in owning solar electric systems;

public-sector entities that own roof space and have policies that support renewable energy development; and

Jan 12, 2012 at 1:30 PM

Review the proposed concept for land use, local transportation, open space and green systems and potential improvements to the I-5 Broadway/Weidler freeway interchange.

Are you interested in issues affecting the Lower Albina, Rose Quarter and Lloyd District areas of the Central City? How about the I-5 freeway and how it impacts the area around the Broadway/Weidler interchange? Please join us at an open house for the N/NE Quadrant and I-5 Broadway/Weidler Plans.

After extensive public input, the project team and Stakeholder Advisory Committee have developed a draft proposed concept for future land use, urban design and local transportation in the area, as well as options for proposed improvements to the Broadway/Weidler freeway interchange. At the February 2nd open house, these concepts will be on display and City of Portland and Oregon Department of Transportation staff will be on hand to answer questions, receive public feedback and discuss the project.

Learn more about and comment on:

Future direction for land use and urban form

Street design and connectivity

New parks and open space

Ways to incorporate green infrastructure

Safety and operational improvements for the Broadway/Weidler freeway interchange

This is a great opportunity to weigh in on the draft proposals and let the Stakeholder Committee know what you think. We hope you join us!

Other opportunities to get involved

Stakeholder Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and offer a public comment period. Upcoming meetings include (see project calendar for details):

January 19, 2012 This meeting will focus on the freeway component of the project. Staff will present a proposed hybrid freeway improvement concept and discuss outstanding issues to be resolved.

February 16, 2012: This meeting will address both the quadrant plan and freeway components of the project. Staff will report on public input received at the February 2nd open house and seek Stakeholder Advisory Committee approval of the proposed concepts for the quadrant plan and freeway interchange project. The concept plans will then be used as a basis for developing more detailed proposals in the next phase of work.

Jan 17, 2012 at 5:47 PM

From cheesemaking to beekeeping to urban gardening to food preservation, Urban Growth Bounty provides all the tools you need to do it yourself.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 17, 2012CALENDAR ADVISORY

CONTACTSteve CohenBureau of Planning and Sustainability503-823-4225steve.cohen@portlandoregon.gov

Christine LlobregatBureau of Planning and Sustainability503-823-7007christine.llobregat@portlandoregon.gov

City of Portland's Urban Growth Bounty series returns with classes on growing, preparing and preserving food

From cheesemaking to beekeeping to urban gardening to food preservation, Urban Growth Bounty provides all the tools you need to do it yourself.

Since its kickoff in 2009, thousands of Portlanders have been able to explore the world of urban homesteading (and to meet others who share their interest) through the Urban Growth Bounty classes. Now entering its fourth year, the 2012 series includes courses on beekeeping, urban livestock, cheesemaking, food preservation, and multiple types of gardening. On-line registration is available at www.portlandonline.com/bps/ugb.

"The Urban Growth Bounty classes are a great value and a wonderful way to kickstart your 2012 food growing season," says Portland Mayor Sam Adams. "There's always more to learn about how to grow, preserve and eat sustainably on a budget."

Presented by the City of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, 2012 brings back an exciting lineup of expert instructors and an array of classes for all skill levels. Courses will take place from February to July at locations across the city.

A brand new class, Introduction to Food Preservation, Jams, and Jellies debuts in May. Returning also are the most popular classes from the past two years, Cheesemaking with Claudia Lucero and Edible Landscaping with Jen Aron.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

To create and enhance a vibrant city, BPS combines the disciplines of planning and sustainability to advance Portland's diverse and distinct neighborhoods, promote a prosperous and low-carbon economy, and help ensure that people and the natural environment are healthy and integrated into the cityscape. BPS provides a forum for community engagement and education, and is a catalyst for action. With a city full of partners, BPS develops creative and practical solutions on issues as far ranging as comprehensive, neighborhood and environmental planning, urban design, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency and solar technologies. This innovative, interdisciplinary approach strengthens Portland's position as an international model of sustainable development practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps